Most archives, historical societies, and genealogical societies have special collections and indexes of genealogical value. Some of these must be searched in person. Further, Pennsylvania genealogies sometimes contain genealogies of people from Delaware. See also the “Genealogy” section of the Pennsylvania Research Outline (31075).

Delaware Public Archives

Major collections of compiled genealogies in the Delaware Public Archives include:

Turner, Joseph Brown. Genealogical Collection of Delaware Families. Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1948. (FHL films 006272-300; computer number 374992.) This excellent collection has about 3,000 alphabetically arranged files with genealogies, pedigrees, correspondence, newspaper clippings, etc. The Delaware Public Archives sells the records on microfiche. They have microfiche which may be purchased for individual family names. The minimum order is $5.00, which includes shipping and handling. Please write for a price quote. The archive microfilms can also be ordered on interlibrary loan.

Genealogical Surname File. This file indexes many of the surnames found in genealogies and local histories. The index does not include given names. The Delaware Public Archives will search it for you, if you include a large, self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request.

Historical Society of Delaware Files

The following four sources are at the Historical Society of Delaware, but not at the Family History Library. These following sources cover the 1600s to the early 1900s:

Family Surname File. This is a surname with given name file of about 500,000 cards. It is the first source people go to at the Historical Society. It indexes church records, newspaper obituaries, the Catherine Harkness and Jeanette Eckmann research collection, and family history files which are kept in other collections at the historical society. Also included are cards submitted by genealogists researching Delaware families. The society will search it for you for a fee.

Family History File. This is a separate file, and it is indexed in the Family Surname File, above. The Family History File consists of alphabetical folders containing miscellaneous family material. Each folder contains information ranging from miscellaneous notes to complete genealogies.

Book Card Catalog. This catalog includes family histories in published books and pamphlets.

Manuscript Card Catalog. This catalog includes letters, diaries, business records, organizational records, unpublished genealogical information, and other manuscript material. It can be searched by surname.

Published Collections

Virdin, Donald Odell. Delaware Family Histories and Genealogies. St. Michaels, Md.: Raymond B. Clark, 1984. (FHL book 975.1 A1 no. 11; computer number 293804.) This lists 215 published family histories about persons who lived in Delaware between the 1630s-1980s.

Turner, Charles Henry Black. Genealogical Notes, Sussex & Kent Counties, Delaware . . . Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1965. (FHL films 441425-31; computer number 349660; index on FHL film 441425; computer number 349660.) This contains records of people who lived about 1600-1950s. This collection has family history pamphlets, articles, deeds, wills, and other original documents. It was microfilmed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Rider, Fremont, ed. American Genealogical- Biographical Index. Vols. 1-186+. Middletown, Conn.: Godfrey Memorial Library, 1952-. (FHL book 973 D22am ser. 2; on 31 FHL films; computer number 49554.) This is a continuing series. An earlier version of 48 volumes was published as The American Genealogical Index, 1942-1951. Over 4 million brief citations (name, date, and source) to manuscripts, periodicals, and books. The earlier version indexed 350 sources. The second version includes the original 350 sources and an additional 800 sources.

To help interpret citations and locate the original sources, use the colored pages in some volumes of:

Clark, Patricia L., and Dorothy Huntsman, eds. American Genealogical Biographical Key Title Index. Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah. 1990. (FHL book 973 D22am index; film 1698167 item 4; fiche 6088377; computer number 491052.) Lists the sources that are at the Family History Library and their call numbers.

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